Mission Presidents Seminar--Baguio

We began our journey by flying to Manila. (We could have opted to drive from here but it would mean going over numerous mountain passes and hairpin curves and a road that often has mud slides. Since it has been a very rainy and wet Fall we opted to fly to Manila and ride the bus with most of the others.) In Manila we stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel, which always makes us feel totally spoiled. One night there is like a week somewhere else. It's true luxury at every turn.

The lobby of the Shangri-La was so festive with all the amazing Christmas decorations.

The staff is so professional and friendly.

 About mid-day we headed to the Manila MTC where we met the Area Presidency and their wives and most of the other 16 Mission Presidents from the Philippines. There were 8 new couples who started their assignment in early July. So this year we were no longer the new kids on the block. It's always such a treat to see our batch. We love them all so much and can truly identify with what they have been experiencing here.

What a treat to see Brother Rondilla, who is teaching at the Manila MTC now. He was a dear missionary who served as a trusted assistant for many months. He is now married to one of our former dear sister missionaries and they are expecting their first child next year.

Baguio is famous for it's beautiful climate. It sits approx. 5,000 feet above sea level and is cool (70s) all year round. We had visited Baguio over 25 years ago and I couldn't believe how much it had grown since then. There are now close to 500,000 people living there. The Ifugao people settled the area (same folks that live in Banaue) and they are notorious for their beautiful weavings. We were able to tour the famous Easter Weaving School which has been in operation since the 1920s. They still use the old looms and can make the most intricate designs. The opeartors feet were dancing over the pedals as they worked the looms. I found it to be very fascinating and we were able to purchase a number of things made from the fabric including neck ties and bags.

Our beloved Area President--Elder Teh and his wife in front of the President of the Philippines Summer Mansion.



Our batch. We're all about to hit our halfway mark. We love and revere these wonderful leadrs who are diligently serving the Lord in various parts of the Philippines. The couples second on the left are currently living in New Zealand and he (Elder Rowe) is our Infield Representative. He services the South Pacific Area and the PHilippines. President Carlos loves him dearly. He has helped with a number of sensitive issues and is our go-between the brethren in Salt Lake and our mission.

The famous Easter Weaving School

The weavers run the ancient shuttles with their feet. It looks like they are dancing over the pedals.



We stayed at the Famous Camp John Hay which was built by the US in the early 1900s and served for many years as a resort for US military personnel and their families stationed in this part of the world. A few years ago the US gave it back to the Philippines and it was sold and reonnovated. It is now a very high class resort. The grounds are exquisite. We loved being pampered. President spent his birthday here and Elder Teh surprised him with a delicious birthday cake. That was so thoughtful and unfortunately we didn't have our camera with us that night at dinner.

Camp John Hay reminds me of a ski lodge in Colorado or Utah. It's really beautiful. The grounds are full of pine trees and beautiful flowers.



One of the highlights of our trip was to see one of beloved returned missionaries, Athena Jose, who lives and works in Baguio. She surprised with this beautiful Baguio woven shawl. It was perfect for the cool nights in Baguio. We love this dear sister and it was wonderful to be able to spend a little time with her!

We stopped at the site for the new Urdeneta Temple. There was a very reverent feeling there. It is going to be a wonderful place for another temple. (That will make three in the PHilippines and much closer for the members living in our mission.) Last year when it was announced we were at church and the people started weeping because it would cut their travel time from 12 hours to 6 and save them a lot of money in transporation costs. The ground hasn't been broken  yet and it will take at least 2 to 3  years to build once the construction begins.

These photos are out of order but I can't seem to manipulate them. Sorry!!!!